Bernalillo Bosque Area Hit by Multiple Assaults Along Rio Grande

Three people have been targeted in a stretch of bosque along the Rio Grande north of Alameda since early February, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office says the suspect remains at large.

The first reported incident occurred on Feb. 2, when an offender pointed what was believed to be a firearm at a victim, pushed that person to the ground, and cut the victim's pants in the groin area. The victim was not physically injured. The suspect was dressed entirely in black, including a black face mask, black gloves, and black goggles.

Less than a month later, on March 1, a second attack unfolded in the same general area. This time the offender used a box cutter to injure a male victim, who sustained minor injuries. That suspect was also described as wearing all black.

The most recent incident, reported on March 8, was of a different character. A woman riding her horse through the bosque was approached by a man holding a knife who threatened to stab the animal. She managed to escape and was not hurt. The suspect in that attack was described as wearing a black hoodie and blue pants and believed to be approximately 30 years old, a notably different description from the solid-black attire noted in the two earlier incidents.

All three attacks occurred on the west side of the Rio Grande north of Alameda, a corridor of cottonwood woodland heavily used by trail runners, equestrians, cyclists, and families throughout the year. Detectives believe these incidents may be related and are asking the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity.

BCSO is asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or who has information about a person matching any of the suspect descriptions, to contact the sheriff's office through its non-emergency line, submit tips online, or send a text anonymously. Anyone facing an active emergency should call 911.